Have you decided that you want to have a Long Island deck installed in your home? Bravo! The decision you make now will improve your backyard and add to your enjoyment of it for years to come.

So, you have decided to hire a deck installer. What is your next step? Well, there are some things you should at least think about before you rush out and hire someone to do the work.

1. What sort of work do you want done?

Regardless of size, you need to know exactly what it is the deck will be for. Is it going to be little more than a back porch for you to kick back on? Maybe you’re looking for a place to set up a grill pit with room for tables and chairs for dining?

2. Next, consider the design you want

Long Island decks come in all shapes, sizes, and - in some cases - colors. Some designs are plain, yet practical. These utilitarian decks may offer little more than a raised area to set up a grill with some storage underneath, but they are very sturdy and durable. They are also less expensive to install. Other people prefer to have a more sophisticated design to their deck, involving wrappings, scrollwork, and other decorations. Both kinds of decks have a lot to offer an indvidual. It’s really up to you as to the design you ultimately choose.

3. Look at your budget

We all know that in order to get the best, we have to be willing to spend a lot for it. That is why we have to make sacrifices sometimes. Once you sort out the design scheme that you want you need to determine if it is economically feasible. Better yet, pick out more than one design. This will allow you to compare costs and see which one is the most feasible.

4. Be careful with cost-cutting measures

If you are faced with a choice of cutting either material or labor costs, you should be careful. Just because one contractor charges a lower hourly rate than another, don’t assume this will lead to cost savings. While it will appear you are saving money in the short term, inferior labor can lead to inferior worksmanship. This will cause you to repair the deck more frequently, increasing your maintenance costs.

5. Never hire someone without getting a quote

Make sure you get a quote down on paper before proceeding any further with a contractor. Only once something is written down can you be assured that your LI deck will not cost more than you intend to pay.